What to Wear in Varkala
Varkala is warm and humid all year, so the right fabric matters more than anything else. Cotton and linen stay comfortable through the afternoon, while synthetics get sticky within an hour. Most of your day is spent between the beach, the cliff path and the cafés, so relaxed, breathable clothes work best.
Varkala is also a pilgrim town. Swimwear is normal on the beach, but cover up when you walk into town, and dress modestly for the Janardanaswamy Temple and Sivagiri Mutt. For photos, a white or cream Kerala kasavu saree or mundu looks beautiful against the red cliff.
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What to Wear in Varkala During the Dry Season
The dry season (October to March) brings sunny days, warm evenings and calmer seas. It is the main beach season, so pack light clothes and swimwear. Evenings on the cliff can be breezy, but you will rarely need more than a thin layer.
Best Dry Season Outfits for Varkala
- Linen shirts and cotton T-shirts
- Loose trousers, shorts or a light skirt
- Cotton dresses or a boho co-ord set
- Swimwear with a cover-up or sarong
- A sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
What to Wear in Varkala During Summer
April and May are the hottest, most humid months, and pre-monsoon showers often start in May. Wear the lightest, loosest fabrics you have and cover up from the midday sun.
Best Summer Outfits for Varkala
- Loose cotton or linen tops and trousers
- Light, sleeved tops to protect your shoulders from the sun
- A wide-brimmed hat
- A reusable water bottle
What to Wear in Varkala During the Monsoon
The monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas. Choose quick-drying clothes and keep a rain layer with you all day.
Best Monsoon Outfits for Varkala
- A light rain jacket or poncho
- Quick-drying trousers and tops
- A compact umbrella
- Sandals with a good grip
What to Wear to Temples in Varkala
At the Janardanaswamy Temple, men are usually asked to remove their shirts before entering, and a mundu or dhoti is preferred. Women usually wear a saree or salwar kameez. Shorts, sleeveless tops and short skirts are not suitable. Sivagiri Mutt also expects modest clothing, and many devotees wear white or yellow.
Best Colours to Wear in Varkala
White, ivory, rust and teal stand out well against the red cliffs, the blue sea and the green palms. For a traditional look, a cream kasavu saree or mundu with a gold border suits the temple and the cliff at sunset.
Footwear Tips for Varkala
Flip-flops or sandals are all you need for the beach and cafés. Choose a pair with a good grip, as the steps between the cliff and the beach are steep and uneven, and paths get slippery in the rain. You will remove your shoes at every temple, so slip-ons save time.
Questions
Varkala — FAQ
Can I wear shorts and swimwear in Varkala?
Yes, on the beach and along the cliff cafés. Cover up with a shirt or sarong when you walk into town, and wear longer clothes for the temple and Sivagiri.
What should men wear at the Janardanaswamy Temple?
Men are usually asked to remove their shirts before going inside, and a mundu or dhoti is preferred. Shorts are not suitable. Rules can change, so follow what the temple staff ask.
What should I wear in Varkala during the monsoon?
Pack quick-drying clothes, a light rain jacket or poncho, an umbrella and sandals with a good grip, as paths near the cliff get slippery.
What footwear is best for Varkala?
Sandals or flip-flops with a good grip are best. The steps down to the beach are steep and uneven, and you will take your shoes off at every temple.
What should I wear for photos in Varkala?
White, ivory, rust and teal look great against the red cliff and blue sea. A cream kasavu saree or mundu with a gold border makes a lovely traditional look at sunset.